We proudly hold our festival each year on Governors Island, located off the southern end of Manhattan. The borough of Manhattan was an area once cared for by the Lenape people who also made use of the natural resources on Governors Island. They referred to it as Paggank, meaning “Nut Island” because of its diverse array of hickory, oak, and chestnut trees. Governors Island made a perfect fishing camp for indigenous communities who used the Island on a seasonal basis. We acknowledge that we are performing and taking up space on colonized land and are actively working to embrace marginalized voices within our organization. We condemn the violent history which claimed this stolen land from its original caretakers. It is an honor to use this land for spreading our message of community and poetic expression and take pride in the vast indigenous histories of this land.
Written by Lola Anaya, 2023
Resources for Learning & Connecting:
American Indian Community House
“Founded in 1969, AICH is a community-based organization with a mission to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian Community and to increase the visibility of American Indian cultures in an urban setting. Their space on Governors Island has been used to present exhibitions, performances, and other cultural and educational programs, as well as to host artists in residence.”
“NDN Girls Book Club hosts free community workshops for Native people, especially Native youth & girls, in poetry, zine-making, editing, book trading, Native literatures talks, and more. We also co-host events that aim to build community for Native art and literature!”
Connect with them on Instagram
Living Nations, Living Words: A Map of First Peoples Poetry
“For my signature project as the 23rd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, I conceived the idea of mapping the U.S. with Native Nations poets and poems. I want this map to counter damaging false assumptions—that indigenous peoples of our country are often invisible or are not seen as human. You will not find us fairly represented, if at all, in the cultural storytelling of America, and nearly nonexistent in the American book of poetry.” - Joy Harjo
